Shohei Ohtani expected to miss only one game with back tightness

After being ruled out early in Saturday’s win over the San Diego Padres due to back soreness, Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani was not in the team’s starting lineup for the series finale Sunday at Petco Park.

However, manager Dave Roberts said, Ohtani is expected to return to the fold Monday when the team opens a three-game series in San Francisco against the Giants, and could be an option to hit on Sunday if needed.

“It’s better today,” Roberts said. “We’re in the middle of 13 straight (games). He was going to have a day at some point. So with a little smoke, I just want to make sure we put this to bed.

Ohtani said he started feeling back discomfort while practicing before Saturday’s game. He still started in the Dodgers’ 5-0 win and drew a walk while going hitless in his other three at-bats. In the ninth inning, however, the Dodgers struck out on Ohtani after Roberts said he “learned…that his back was tight.”

After the game, Roberts described the team’s level of concern regarding Ohtani’s back as “minimal” and said his early withdrawal was a “precautionary” measure.

On Sunday morning, the manager and two-time MVP continued to strike an optimistic tone. Ohtani said through his interpreter that he “actually felt pretty good” when he woke up and was able to complete his normal pregame routine.

Did he plan to pinch hit if necessary?

“That’s my intention,” Ohtani said. “but I’m sure the score will dictate that.”

Ohtani, 29, has been the Dodgers’ best player this season, posting a .352 batting average (second in the majors) with 11 home runs (tied for fourth), 27 RBIs (tied for 13th). ) and a ranking at the top of the major leagues. 1,090 OPS.

Ohtani has also only missed one game so far this year, a customary day off on May 1 during the team’s road trip to Arizona.

The two-way star rehabilitated his throwing elbow after Tommy John surgery last year, including an every-other-day throwing program he began in late March. However, Ohtani has repeatedly said the illness has no effect on his swing.

Roberts said Ohtani’s back issue also shouldn’t impact his throwing progression.